Hygiene and Biosecurity Basics

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Questions and Answers

What are the two classifications of vectors that transmit diseases?

Biological vectors (such as mosquitoes and ticks) and mechanical vectors (such as flies)

What is a fomite, and provide examples of common fomites?

A fomite is an inanimate object that can carry infectious agents capable of causing transmission to other individuals. Examples include dirty boots, hands, overalls, vehicles, feeding buckets, and veterinary instruments.

What is the importance of hygiene in preventing the transmission of infectious diseases?

Good hygiene practices prevent vectors and fomites from carrying enough infectious agents to cause transmission, and there is a direct link between hygiene and life expectancy.

What is the recommended handwashing technique for removing germs?

Wash your hands for 10 seconds with liquid soap to remove 90% of germs. Signup and view all the answers

What is iatrogenic transfer, and how do vets play a role in it?

Iatrogenic transfer refers to the transfer of infectious agents through medical procedures. Vets can unintentionally transmit infectious agents when handling animals or their environment, highlighting the need for attention to detail and adherence to industry-specific requirements. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for vets to follow industry-specific requirements when handling animals or their environment?

Following industry-specific requirements, such as bird-free days before entering poultry or piggeries, prevents the transmission of infectious diseases and ensures the safety of both humans and animals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of biosecurity measures?

To minimise the risk of infectious disease caused by viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases?

Zoonotic diseases can pass from animals to humans, while non-zoonotic diseases are only transmitted between humans or animals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a reservoir in the context of infectious diseases?

A reservoir is the normal habitat where an infectious agent lives and reproduces. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of vectors in the transmission of infectious diseases?

Vectors are living agents that transmit an infectious agent from an infected animal to another animal. Signup and view all the answers

What is farm biosecurity, and whose responsibility is it?

Farm biosecurity is a set of measures designed to protect a property from the entry and spread of pests, diseases, and weeds, and its implementation is the responsibility of every person visiting or working on a property. Signup and view all the answers

What are zoonoses, and which groups are most at risk?

Zoonoses are diseases or infections that are naturally transmissible from animals to humans, and veterinarians and students are mostly at risk. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a fomite and a vector?

A fomite is an inanimate object that can transmit an infectious agent, while a vector is a living agent that transmits an infectious agent from an infected animal to another animal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of hygiene practices?

The primary objective of hygiene practices is to maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hygiene and Biosecurity

Hygiene refers to conditions and practices that maintain health and prevent disease spread.
Biosecurity is the management of risks to the economy, environment, and community, of pests and diseases entering, emerging, establishing, or spreading.

Principles of Biosecurity

Prevent entry of infectious diseases
Prevent spread if it enters (prevents establishment)
Prevent exit of infectious diseases
Biosecurity can be implemented off-shore, at the border, and on-farm (or any other relevant establishment)

Farm Biosecurity

A set of measures designed to protect a property from the entry and spread of pests, diseases, and weeds
Farm biosecurity is the responsibility of every person visiting or working on a property
Farm biosecurity risks include zoonoses, such as Hendra virus and rabies

Zoonoses

Any disease or infection naturally transmissible from animals to humans through bacterial, viral, and parasitic transmission, and unconventional agents
At-risk groups include veterinarians and students
Infectious agents can be transmitted between individuals, animals, plants, and people, and can be both zoonotic and non-zoonotic

Fomites, Vectors, and Reservoirs

Reservoirs: the normal habitat where the infectious agent lives and reproduces, e.g., flying fox for Hendra virus
Vector: a live agent that transmits an infectious agent from an infected animal to another animal, e.g., mosquitoes, ticks, and flies
Fomite: an inanimate object that can carry infectious agents, e.g., dirty boots, hands, overalls, and clothes, vehicles, feeding buckets, and vet instruments

Role of Fomites and Vectors in Infectious Disease Transmission

Fomites and vectors can transmit infectious agents to other individuals
Examples: dirty boots, hands, and equipment

Good Hygiene Practices

Handwashing: wash for 10 seconds to remove 90% of germs, liquid soap is sufficient
Importance of hygiene: direct link to life expectancy, prevents vectors and fomites from carrying infectious agents, promotes a culture of cleanliness in stakeholders

Role of Veterinarians

Vets play a crucial role in preventing the transmission of infectious agents
Handling animals and their environment requires attention to detail and respect for industry-specific requirements
Iatrogenic transfer: transfer of infectious agents through medical procedures, e.g., poultry and piggeries require bird-free days before entry

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Description

Learn about the principles of hygiene and biosecurity, including the importance of preventing the spread of diseases and managing risks to the economy, environment, and community.